Strengths: Great overclock for the price

Weaknesses: 1 Mb L2 cache, L2 stepping, runs a little hotter than I expected.

Summary: This was my first time building a computer, and after much reading, I decided to get this budget-priced processor and overclock it. So far overclocking has been really easy; I've pushed it up to 2.7 GHz on just stock HSF (with Arctic Silver 5), while undervolting to 1.225 volts. I'm pretty sure it can go even higher, but heat is a bit of a concern for me; I'm hitting 58 celsius on both cores when maxing out the CPU. I'm guessing the AS5 just needs to set in a bit first. Performance has been quite snappy, especially on a fresh installation of Windows XP. I only wish I had managed to get the M0 stepping and not the L2 stepping, since M0 is supposed to be better with the thermal envelope. Almost no websites will list which stepping they are selling, so its mostly luck of the draw. I've heard that clubit does specify what stepping the processor is, however. Otherwise, it might be prudent to spend a few extra bucks for the E2180, which is guaranteed to be of the M0 stepping.

Strengths: Overclocking potential, low wattage

Weaknesses: Reduced cache

Summary: The cooling requirements of this processor are minimal, allowing me be run it in a very quiet configuration with an after-market cooler. I expect to gain significant additional speed with overclocking, but without needing to increase the fan-speed of the cooler. Excellent balance between cost and performance.

Strengths: overclocks on strong air cooling to 3.33, ghz, budget price ,really fast at high clockspeeds

Weaknesses: does not beat high end core 2 duos, no extreme edition version, low L2 cache

Summary: i was originally going to buy a core 2 quad to replace my old 90nm Pentium 4 HT 640, but my budget did not allow for it, so i ended up buying this processor, overclocked it to 3.33 ghz, and am loving it, i would definitely recommend this processor for those that are on a low budget that need a processor, as this is much faster than any old Pentium D and Pentium 4 HT

Strengths: Cheap and very overclockable

Weaknesses: Small cache

Summary: This is a great CPU if you like to overclock. It can easily reach 3GHz or higher with no change in voltage or cooling. I'm using it with a abit IP35-E motherboard and this CPU is a monster! I'm currently running it at 3.2GHz and it is perfectly stable. What a bargain for approximately $50.

Strengths: Price to performance ratio is unbeaten. Easy to run at 3.2 GHz.

Weaknesses: None so far.

Summary: I upgrade my system from my old P4 2.8G computer. Intended for M0 stepping. Bought it for $72. Uses a Cooler Master fan. It runs cool even at overclocked 3.2 GHz. It is the best buy for budget PC. Love it!